How to Spot a Genuine Leather Sofa
This sofa is a great addition to any room. The leather upholstery is soft and silky. Customers love its simple style and high-quality genuine leather upholstery.
But recognizing real leather from faux leather can be a challenge to the untrained eye. Here are six useful ways to tell the difference: 1. The rough edges.
1. Labels are important
Real leather is hard to duplicate. It has a unique appearance and feel. It's also durable and easy to clean. It also does not absorb body oils, which makes it a great choice for families with allergies. However not all leather sofas are made equal. In fact, some stores have even been known to pass off PVC as genuine leather.
Understanding the different types of leather will help you avoid being ripped off. This includes determining the difference between top and full grain leather, as well as assessing the quality of the upholstery material. The most knowledgeable retailers are more than happy to provide you with this information and more, so don't hesitate to inquire!
To determine if you have a genuine leather couch, first glance at the label. It should clearly indicate what kind of leather it is upholstered with, along with any other materials like fabric or cotton. In addition, reputable sellers will have clear policies regarding returning or exchanging items in the event you aren't happy with your purchase.
If the sofa doesn't have an identifier however, you can still figure out the authenticity of the sofa by examining the fabric backing or opening a cushion casing to check for synthetic material. You can also look at the texture of the leather to determine whether it has any imperfections or bumps, since these are indicators that you're dealing with fake or the leather is bonded.
You can also test the quality of the sofa by touching the surface. Genuine leather will have an incredibly soft and smooth texture, while faux or bonded leather will be coarser and more akin to suede. Furthermore you will feel the difference between the wrinkles and bumps of genuine leather and the patterns printed on faux leather.
While a genuine leather sofa may cost more than its faux counterpart It's a wise investment as it will last longer and often end up as family heirlooms through the years. You can reduce the damage caused by sun as well as ozone, heat and humidity by placing your leather sofa in an airy, dark space far from fireplaces, heaters and air cooling units. In addition, you can apply leather protection creams to keep your sofa soft and strong.
2. Check out the back
If the label doesn't identify the type of leather is in a sofa, it is important to inspect it up close. The smell, feel and backing will all be a clear indication of authenticity.
Genuine leather will not feel smooth when you touch it. This is because animal hides have different pores that allow them to breathe. However, a leather product that is smooth and soft suggests it could be fake leather.
Look for bumps or uneven surfaces. The preparation of genuine leather requires buffing, which eliminates some of the rough outer skin. But if the material used to cover your sofa is made of top-quality leather, it will still have some bumps.
You can also test the leather by running your finger over it and pressing down into it. If it's genuine the leather will stretch and wrinkle a bit as human skin does. This means that it's capable of breathing, which means that the material doesn't become dry and cracked over time.
Faux leather is printed, and thus has a consistent pattern, however genuine leather may have natural imperfections that add to its beauty and durability. This includes scratches, creases and scuffs. Genuine leather will be supple and a bit stiff when it's brand new. However, it won't dry out or crack when you regularly condition it using a cream for protection against leather.
Some furniture manufacturers combine real leather with synthetic leather in order to save money. The 'contact areas' like the seats, arm rests and backs are made from genuine leather, while non-contact parts, such as the base and outside arms, are upholstered with polyurethane, which is less expensive or synthetic leather. This is a standard practice and even if a couch is branded with a genuine leather label, you should check it carefully to see the material that the back is made of, as this is an instant giveaway that it's not genuine leather.
Labels and prices can point you in the right direction, but to truly ensure that a sofa you purchase is genuine leather it's essential to meet up close and intimate with it. Take a whiff, rub it, and then check its back for a backing made of polyurethane, which is a clear indicator that it is not genuine leather.
3. Check out the seat
A genuine leather sofa's seat is an indicator of its quality. Genuine leather is distinct from faux leather, which is the same materials. It has a distinct texture and feels soft when touched. Be aware of bumps under the surface and a strong, natural scent. These features distinguish genuine leather from low-grade or artificial imitations.
Another indicator is if the leather is stitched together in a long, continuous piece. While this is not uncommon when using faux leather, if you observe this on genuine top-grain leather, it's likely to be a sign that the sofa is not of good quality and should be avoided.
The price and the label might give you an idea, but the only sure method to determine is to feel the furniture. Genuine leather isn't perfect and should feel uneven to the feel. It will also have rough edges and fat wrinkles underneath the surface. Genuine leather feels supple and different than synthetic materials. small leather couch of the furniture could be an indication of whether it's made from authentic materials.
Leather sofas are an essential part of interior design and for good reason. They're elegant durable, long-lasting, and durable. It is also easy to clean and resistant to spills of liquid. This makes it a great choice for families who have children or pets. Genuine leather is a timeless style that will never be out of fashion. It's also available in various price ranges.
Think about Pottery Barn's Turner leather sofa that will last for years. The two-seater might be expensive, but it is made with top-grain leather that will last for a long time. This is a great option for those with limited space, as it comes with three sizes and fits in almost any room.
This All Modern Geo Genuine Leather sofa is a great option for those who want something more contemporary. This mid-century-modern-inspired couch features a sleek, angular design with a cylindrical pillow and an elegant frame. The sofa is constructed of plywood, composite, and plastic. However, the leather is only used for the seating area. It's an improvement over Ikea's faux-leather sofa which was awarded the CHOICE's "Shonky Award" in 2015.
4. Look at the smell
Real leather has an unmistakable scent. It's an organic, natural scent that is impossible to duplicate. If the sofa that you're trying to purchase has a strong, artificial scent it's not real. It is usually due to the chemicals that were used to process leather. These chemicals can remain on furniture long after it's been constructed.
One way to check the quality of a leather sofa is to gently run your fingers across the surface. Genuine leather will feel rough and have lumps and bumps, just as human skin. If it feels soft and cold, it's most likely faux or the leather is bonded.
You can also open one of the cushions to examine the back. False and bonded leather will have some form of polyurethane backing to support the fabric, whereas true leather has an untreated backing that is similar in appearance to coarse suede. If the couch is backed by a woven fabric it is not real leather.
Peter says that the best method to determine whether a sofa is real is to gently rub your fingernails on the surface. The grit of the leather should make your fingers a little dull, and the surface will stretch and wrinkle a little. It should also feel warm to the contact.
Another way to tell if a sofa is genuine is to turn it over on its side and examine the back of the upholstery. Genuine leather is a solid piece of leather, not a plastic-coated faux or bonded leather.
Consider how often you'll use your leather sofa and how long it is expected to last before you decide on the right. The more you use a couch and the more you use it, the more it will require to be cared for. Peter recommends regular, gentle cleaning with a leather conditioner. This will help keep the leather's softness and stop it from drying out and becoming hard.